FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Perhaps there is no better way to measure the mettle of a student-athlete than competing against the best. It's a philosophy to which Fairfield University swimmers Alexey Belfer and Chris Ford subscribe, and one that recently presented an opportunity for the duo to go up against the best in their respective event.

Both Belfer and Ford competed against top-notch swimmers, some of whom are Olympians, during the 2022 Toyota US Open which is part of USA Swimming and took place at the Greensboro (N.C.) Aquatic Center. Belfer entered the 50 free and finished with a time of 24.16 while Ford took his lane in the 200 breaststroke and completed the distance in 2:30.49.

While timing is paramount in swimming, there are also the intangibles of experience and strategy that is gained while swimming against the sport's elite which will hopefully pay off later this season.

"Competing at the US Open was an incredible experience," Ford said after returning from the meet. "I knew heading into the meet that it was going to be tough competition with pro athletes and Olympians competing along with many collegiate athletes from some of the most competitive and successful programs in the country. One of my biggest takeaways from competing at the open is the importance of consistency and attention to detail."

Facing this type of competition can help athletes develop beyond the techniques necessary for success in the water. Athletes use such chances to sharpen their mental approach to championship competition.

"Racing at such a level can be intimidating but I think I managed to keep my focus and didn't let the fear overcome me," Belfer said. "I think it was great mental training for the MAACs (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) as the championship itself can also be very intimidating. But, doing what I did at the US Open will keep me focused on the goal."

Ford will also use the US Open as a catalyst for himself but also hopes to use it to help encourage his teammates when they return to the pool for a dual meet against La Salle on January 14.

"The US Open definitely motivated me to keep pushing myself and my teammates throughout the season before we head to conference championships," Ford said. "Swimming at a meet like the US Open reminds me how much more I have to learn and work towards."

Belfer and Ford are not the only ones who seem focused on their goal this season. Both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams won three of their four dual meets so far and the two squads captured the top spot in the Fairfield Invitational to open the campaign. Not to mention, the Stags were also in the mix at the Terrier Invitational which included Boston College, Georgetown, Northeastern, UMass, and host Boston University.

"Our team competed at the Terrier Invitational before the US Open," Ford said. "That is our mid-year meet where we get to race good competition to see how fast we can go and set goals for the end of the season."

Now, the duo will begin the task of preparing for the stretch run during which the Stags will swim against La Salle, Iona, and Manhattan before traveling to Buffalo for the 2023 MAAC Championships. With a good base achieved during the Fall semester, the Stags will look forward to building upon that momentum with the hope of winning a conference title.

"This season overall has been really strong with multiple pool and school records," Belfer said. "My swimming has improved a lot this year. We have about two months before MAACs. During those months, we will start to focus on the small details and really fine tune swimming. The goal for the end of the season is to continue to get faster and stronger and ultimately win the championship."

One reason that this team has been successful in 2022-23 is not just due to personal achievement. Rather, it's been the collective that has brought positive results, something that first-year Head Coach Jacy Dyer has emphasized from day one.

"Everyone is focused on the team as well as personal goals," Ford said. "Jacy Dyer has already made a huge impact on the team. She has implemented many new techniques in practice and everyone seems to be benefitting from her expertise and leadership in and out of the pool. While I am looking forward to defending my title in the 200 breast and hope to make podium in the 100 breast, my biggest goal is to see everyone on the team swim best times in Buffalo. If we can do that, I think the results will be exciting."

Both Belfer and Ford look beyond the season with the hopes of being able to compete at the level of the US Open once again. But with such aspirations comes a reality check which Belfer has already noted.

"The experience taught me just how much room for improvement there is," Belfer said. "I am definitely planning on returning to the US Open as I believe I can improve on my previous result. My goal for the next US Open would be to make finals and qualify for the Olympic time trails."